[jonnyplantpot]

Hello,
So we have a 2010 i30 1.6 Diesel.
When the clutch is pressed then it makes a squeaking noise.
It does this when the engine is off.
The clutch feels ok and the bite point doesn’t feel like it’s moved.
When drive, once the clutch is down, the squeak is gone.
The pressure is taken off the clutch, it doesn’t squeak.
The squeak is louder on the outside of the car, than when sat inside; i.e it’s coming from the engine bay.

Had a read of this....
Clutch squeak mystery
...and wandered off fairly content that it’s a squeak on the release lever and not a big deal.

In the mean time my son, whose car it is, has booked it in for an MOT. He mentioned the noise and the guy suggested that the clutch release bearing could be on its way out. The guy offered to have a quick nose around when he does the MOTs but he only does MOTs so won’t be digging too far into it.

So...
Is one as likely as the other?
Is there a way we can identify the issue without ripping the clutch apart?
If we just ignore it I assume eventually something will just fly apart and cause some carnage somewhere.
Thanks, Jon

[asathorny]

Before I traded my beloved i30 I had that same squeak for over a year.  I assumed that it was the lever which moves the release bearing, I never assumed it to be the release bearing itself.  In any event, I was prepared to wait it out since whichever it was if it failed the results would be quite similar i.e. opening the bell housing or its equivalent then replacing a full clutch, release bearing and disk.  So, no point worrying. It was thus for well over a year. 

[Lorian]

Indeed. My 2009 1.6CRDi developed a similar squeak a few times in the last few years I had it. small (careful) quirt of lithium grease on the clutch fork/lever would shut it up for months.

Remember you aren't trying to coat the clutch you need to do a very short shot in the right direction

Tiny shot in this exact direction, with a straw, towards the lever, no warranty expressed or implied:


This is on the lower front of the engine behind radiator. easy enough to get to.

on this shot from inside you can see you are aiming for the indent in the lever:

[Surferdude]

I have just one question.
How can the thrust bearing cause a noise if the engine is off as the OP states on his fourth line?

[eye30]

As noise when engine off then my guess would be when pressing pedal a spring or moving part is making the noise.

[Lorian]

I'm contending its not the bearing but the fork pivot.

[Surferdude]

I'm contending its not the bearing but the fork pivot.

Makes sense

[mickd]

"A quick nose around " & only does mot's
   
You're on the money with your squeak origin,  as are all posts above me.

[asathorny]

I'm contending its not the bearing but the fork pivot.

me too

[jonnyplantpot]

 
That’s everyone. That makes sense, especially the bit about the engine being off. Should have thought that through myself a bit more dieter. Oh well, live and learn etc.
I think I can relax about this now.
Job